house_n of_o jacob_n be_v a_o fire_n and_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n a_o flame_n and_o the_o house_n of_o esau_n as_o stubble_n obad._n 1.18_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o child_n by_o their_o enemy_n nay_o of_o their_o very_a omission_n and_o neglect_v deut._n 23.3_o 4._o the_o moabite_n and_o the_o ammonite_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o ten_o generation_n because_o they_o meet_v not_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n with_o bread_n and_o with_o water_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o they_o that_o grudge_n god_n child_n bread_n that_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o spiritual_a bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n will_v take_v from_o they_o the_o allowance_n their_o father_n have_v give_v they_o and_o so_o will_v starve_v their_o very_a soul_n 3._o whoever_o show_v kindness_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o vain_a a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n or_o because_o he_o belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v not_o want_v its_o reward_n christ_n take_v the_o least_o respect_n show_v they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o visit_v the_o prisoner_n clothe_v the_o naked_a relieve_v the_o poor_a be_v acceptable_a office_n and_o usual_o follow_v with_o some_o blessing_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o wonder_v wherein_o be_v they_o that_o this_o day_n persecute_v god_n child_n the_o worse_a for_o they_o or_o for_o any_o countenance_n they_o have_v show_v they_o nor_o be_v they_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n by_o stir_v up_o god_n jealousy_n and_o pull_v down_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n be_v but_o truth_n effectual_o believe_v what_o a_o alteration_n will_v it_o make_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n how_o will_v those_o that_o be_v at_o present_a so_o unkind_a to_o the_o true_o religious_a become_v their_o friend_n and_o favourer_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n will_v say_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v my_o strength_n in_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n their_o god_n zech._n 12.5_o quest_n whether_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o how_o the_o congregation_n may_v say_v amen_o in_o public_a worship_n sermon_n xxxi_o the_o text_n be_v neh._n 8.6_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o â—â—ople_n answer_v amen_o amen_n omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n never_o want_v instrument_n to_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o slavery_n or_o reform_v it_o from_o degeneracy_n all_o the_o empire_n and_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n have_v serve_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o scaffold_n set_v up_o about_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o be_v take_v down_o when_o that_o be_v build_v up_o and_o finish_v they_o have_v be_v as_o gibeonite_n and_o nethamin_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o assyrian_a be_v god_n rod_n upon_o israel_n back_n persian_n be_v here_o god_n shepherd_n who_o spirit_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o raise_v up_o the_o jew_n alexander_n be_v a_o servant_n and_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v but_o god_n slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n against_o their_o own_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o juncture_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o desolation_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o reformation_n the_o jew_n have_v weather_v out_o seventy_o year_n in_o captivity_n wherein_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v wear_v off_o a_o remnant_n be_v leave_v god_n raise_v up_o cyrus_n and_o move_v he_o to_o set_v they_o free_a from_o babylon_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isa_n 45.1_o two_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n before_o many_o of_o the_o people_n through_o lazy_a worldliness_n or_o despondency_n choose_v rather_o still_o to_o lie_v among_o the_o pot_n in_o caldea_n than_o return_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o build_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n though_o cyrus_n give_v they_o not_o only_a liberty_n by_o proclamation_n but_o accommodation_n for_o the_o work_n but_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o zerobabel_n joshuah_n nehemiah_n and_o ezra_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o this_o ezra_n be_v a_o great_a man_n of_o god_n one_o of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n a_o prophet_n a_o scribe_n a_o priest_n some_o will_v have_v it_o that_o as_o jehoiakim_n cut_v and_o burn_v the_o roll_n jer._n 36.23_o so_o the_o chaldaean_n burn_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o ezra_n restore_v they_o as_o a_o prophet_n by_o revelation_n or_o his_o memory_n but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o daniel_n 9.2_o understand_v by_o book_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o cyrus_n himself_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o ezra_n 1.2_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n charge_v he_o to_o build_v his_o house_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n to_o compose_v this_o history_n of_o he_o and_o a_o perfect_a scribe_n live_v to_o malachi_n time_n he_o write_v the_o complete_a old_a testament_n and_o make_v a_o perfect_a copy_n but_o here_o he_o officiate_n as_o a_o priest_n the_o son_n of_o seraiah_n ezra_n 7.1_o from_o phineas_n eleazar_n and_o aaron_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n when_o they_o have_v neither_o temple_n nor_o tabernacle_n they_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n in_o theopen_fw-mi heaven_n which_o be_v neither_o typical_a nor_o topical_a but_o natural_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n in_o a_o pulpit_n in_o the_o street_n the_o people_n meet_v as_o one_o man_n ezra_n 3.1_o he_o read_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o distinct_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o verse_n 8._o from_o morning_n to_o noon_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n stand_v attentive_o and_o at_o noon_n probable_o he_o dismiss_v they_o with_o a_o blessing_n according_a to_o numb_a 6.23_o god_n command_n bâ—â—â—re_o at_o the_o open_v the_o book_n pray_v to_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o good_a hand_n over_o they_o and_o his_o good_a word_n before_o they_o he_o bless_v the_o lord_n ere_o he_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o ezra_n bless_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v 1._o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n office_n blessing_n and_o 2._o the_o people_n office_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n 3._o the_o great_a god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o great_a congregation_n the_o object_n of_o the_o priest_n office_n and_o the_o people_n also_o whence_o this_o doct._n that_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o laudable_a practice_n for_o people_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o public_a prayer_n or_o praise_v god_n to_o pronounce_v a_o amen_o this_o will_v answer_v the_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o how_o the_o congregation_n may_v say_v amen_o in_o public_a worship_n 1._o i_o will_v explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o amen_o 2._o show_v what_o warrant_v there_o be_v for_o the_o practice_n 3._o deduce_v some_o inference_n from_o all_o 1._o then_o there_o be_v amen_o substantive_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o be_v what_o he_o be_v alpha_n and_o omega_n truth_n itself_o isa_n 65.16_o he_o that_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o the_o god_n amen_o or_o of_o truth_n jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n rev._n 3.14_o he_o be_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o may_v bless_v ourselves_o his_o be_v be_v of_o himself_o as_o god_n and_o he_o give_v be_v to_o his_o word_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yeâ—_n and_o amen_o whether_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a old_a testament_n or_o new_a promise_v in_o he_o they_o be_v complete_v and_o by_o he_o they_o be_v fulfil_v 2._o there_o be_v amen_o affirmative_a a_o phrase_n use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o any_o momentous_a truth_n as_o a_o asseveration_n what_o be_v amen_n matth._n 16.28_o luke_n 9.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o very_o our_o saviour_n have_v this_o phrsae_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o amen_o amen_n to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o raise_v our_o attention_n and_o faith_n or_o to_o show_v that_o not_o only_a truth_n be_v speak_v but_o by_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o 3._o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o optative_a amen_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v it_o be_v so_o bless_a be_v god_n by_o we_o and_o bless_a be_v we_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o jer._n 28.6_o it_o be_v expound_v amen_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o the_o lord_n perform_v the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v speak_v this_o amen_o be_v use_v to_o be_v set_v to_o when_o good_a be_v speak_v as_o 1_o king_n 1.36_o when_o david_n
but_o afterward_o to_o book_n but_o certain_o both_o memory_n and_o book_n be_v little_a enough_o to_o preserve_v those_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v remember_v the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v better_a deuter._n 11_o 20._o and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o upon_o thy_o gate_n yea_o chap_n 17_o 18._o the_o king_n himself_o be_v to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o a_o book_n that_o he_o may_v remember_v it_o the_o better_a the_o very_a writing_n of_o any_o thing_n fix_v it_o deep_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v still_o recommend_v the_o write_n of_o sermon_n not_o only_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n but_o also_o as_o a_o good_a preservative_n from_o sleep_v under_o god_n ordinance_n as_o also_o from_o gaze_v about_o to_o the_o great_a distraction_n of_o the_o thought_n at_o that_o sacred_a employment_n for_o alas_o how_o many_o excellent_a doctrine_n direction_n and_o mark_n have_v you_o hear_v that_o be_v quite_o forget_v which_o a_o discreet_a use_n of_o writing_n may_v have_v preserve_v unto_o you_o gentleman_n you_o i_o have_v see_v a_o large_a common_a place-book_n of_o famous_a mr._n bruâ—n_o fill_v with_o choice_a sentence_n out_o of_o good_a author_n and_o digest_v under_o fit_a head_n for_o his_o own_o use_n be_v a_o private_a gentleman_n 3._o custom_n or_o use_v your_o memory_n be_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o improve_n tâ—â—â—_n thus_o many_o wise_a person_n charge_v their_o memory_n at_o the_o present_a and_o thereby_o strengthen_v they_o and_o then_o commit_v what_o they_o have_v remember_v to_o writing_n when_o they_o come_v home_o that_o no_o time_n may_v wear_v it_o away_o for_o every_o faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o strengthen_v by_o employ_v it_o we_o say_v use_v leg_n and_o have_v leg_n and_o so_o use_v the_o memory_n and_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o memory_n so_o if_o you_o oblige_v your_o child_n and_o your_o servant_n to_o bring_v you_o away_o a_o account_n of_o a_o sermon_n or_o so_o much_o of_o a_o catechism_n you_o will_v see_v that_o use_n and_o custom_n will_v make_v that_o easy_a which_o before_o they_o think_v impossible_a i_o have_v see_v some_o of_o a_o old_a man_n girdle_n who_o can_v not_o read_v a_o word_n yet_o by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o a_o girdle_n which_o he_o wear_v which_o be_v hang_v about_o with_o some_o knot_a point_n he_o can_v bring_v home_o every_o particular_a of_o a_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o charge_v your_o memory_n with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sit_v to_o be_v remember_v and_o doubt_v not_o but_o use_n will_v make_v you_o perfect_a i_o purposely_o avoid_v discourse_v of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o artificial_a memory_n both_o because_o the_o inconvenience_n thereof_o be_v great_a and_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o unfit_a for_o a_o sermon_n 3._o the_o spiritual_a help_n for_o memory_n be_v these_o 1._o bewail_v your_o forgetfulness_n there_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n when_o it_o be_v sound_a begins_z the_o jew_n say_v that_o when_o adam_n look_v towards_o paradise_n he_o weep_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o fall_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v cause_n to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o weep_v again_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o to_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o great_a guilt_n but_o the_o sad_a fruit_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o that_o as_o in_o other_o particular_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o memory_n which_o have_v bear_v their_o share_n in_o that_o convulsion_n and_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o mourn_v also_o for_o all_o such_o excess_n and_o folly_n which_o have_v concur_v to_o make_v they_o worse_o wherein_o no_o man_n be_v guiltless_a so_o that_o though_o you_o may_v reckon_v a_o sorry_a memory_n but_o a_o small_a fault_n yet_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n in_o so_o much_o that_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n style_v the_o forget_v of_o god_n psal_n 9_o 17._o etc._n etc._n few_o of_o we_o will_v reckon_v it_o a_o small_a fault_n to_o have_v a_o servant_n frequent_o neglect_v his_o business_n and_o run_v into_o error_n and_o still_o to_o excuse_v all_o by_o say_v i_o quite_o forget_v it_o for_o general_o such_o forgetfulness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o supine_n negligence_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o be_v humble_v serious_o for_o this_o sin_n 2._o prayer_n be_v a_o second_o help_n for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1_o 17._o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v by_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o golden_a key_n to_o unlock_v the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o needy_a soul_n o_o beg_v it_o then_o of_o he_o that_o as_o he_o sanctify_v the_o soul_n he_o will_v sanctify_v this_o with_o the_o rest_n and_o you_o have_v a_o ground_n for_o your_o prayer_n in_o that_o joh._n 14.26_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o the_o father_n will_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o this_o spirit_n you_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v luke_n 11.13_o your_o heavenly_a father_n shall_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o understand_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v your_o prayer_n herein_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o same_o a_o due_a use_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n on_o which_o earnest_a prayer_n bring_v a_o blessing_n and_o you_o must_v not_o only_o crave_v this_o in_o your_o solemn_a prayer_n but_o also_o when_o you_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v you_o shall_v dart_v up_o a_o holy_a ejaculation_n or_o short_a desire_n lord_n write_v this_o truth_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o bless_v it_o to_o i_o this_o be_v like_o the_o clench_n of_o a_o nail_n and_o when_o you_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n look_v the_o chest_n with_o david_n prayer_n 1_o chron._n 29.18_o o_o lord_n keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o breathe_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o memory_n to_o serve_v thy_o turn_n 3._o diligent_a attention_n if_o the_o mind_n wander_v in_o hear_v the_o memory_n will_v be_v weak_a in_o remember_v confine_v therefore_o your_o thought_n to_o the_o holy_a work_n you_o be_v about_o and_o fetch_v in_o your_o straggle_a fancy_n with_o a_o hearty_a sigh_n remember_v that_o almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o you_o by_o every_o good_a book_n or_o sermon_n that_o you_o read_v or_o hear_v every_o chapter_n and_o sermon_n be_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o direct_v in_o particular_a to_o you_o and_o you_o know_v we_o read_v with_o attention_n the_o mean_a letter_n that_o be_v direct_v to_o we_o and_o we_o observe_v every_o period_n of_o it_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o saviour_n will_n and_o testament_n and_o how_o careful_o do_v every_o child_n attend_v to_o every_o clause_n in_o his_o father_n will_n now_o the_o more_o diligent_a your_o attention_n be_v the_o better_a you_o will_v remember_v as_o you_o know_v the_o great_a weight_n we_o lie_v on_o the_o seal_n the_o deep_a impression_n it_o do_v make_v holy_a david_n can_v say_v ps_n 119.93_o i_o will_v never_o forget_v thy_o precept_n for_o with_o they_o thou_o have_v quicken_v i_o the_o scripture_n the_o sentence_n that_o have_v quicken_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o forget_v when_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v than_o all_o the_o head_n be_v employ_v also_o and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o divers_a remember_v so_o little_a when_o they_o be_v so_o palpable_o careless_a in_o hear_v and_o their_o wander_a eye_n do_v plain_o discover_v their_o wander_a mind_n 4._o due_a estimation_n the_o more_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v any_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o remember_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v of_o child_n remember_a thing_n so_o well_o because_o they_o admire_v every_o thing_n as_o be_v new_a to_o they_o and_o of_o old_a people_n the_o say_n be_v know_v that_o they_o remember_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o care_v for_o for_o when_o we_o esteem_v and_o affect_v any_o thing_n the_o affection_n work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o memory_n and_o so_o seat_v thing_n upon_o it_o why_o be_v it_o that_o a_o woman_n can_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n because_o she_o do_v vehement_o love_v it_o and_o the_o like_a affection_n in_o we_o to_o good_a thing_n will_v keep_v we_o from_o forget_v they_o and_o to_o this_o accord_n that_o say_n of_o mr._n guentianus_n 25._o pag_n 25._o that_o the_o best_a art_n of_o memory_n
as_o seneca_n that_o can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o also_o repeat_v two_o hundred_o verse_n begin_v at_o the_o last_o if_o the_o same_o person_n can_v remember_v those_o direction_n and_o promise_n which_o conduce_v to_o his_o practice_n and_o comfort_n but_o now_o a_o practical_a memory_n be_v a_o sanctify_a faculty_n wherein_o good_a thing_n be_v receive_v perhaps_o not_o so_o distinct_o yet_o safe_o sweet_o ready_o for_o use_v as_o a_o ill_a husband_n may_v have_v more_o tool_n in_o his_o shop_n but_o seldom_o work_v with_o they_o he_o scarce_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o whereas_o a_o good_a workman_n though_o he_o have_v few_o yet_o he_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o how_o to_o work_v better_o with_o they_o so_o thy_o memory_n may_v serve_v thy_o turn_n if_o thou_o can_v remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o if_o thou_o can_v remember_v the_o antidote_n when_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o poison_n the_o cordial_a when_o thy_o spirit_n be_v faint_v if_o thou_o can_v then_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o turn_v aside_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a a_o rich_a miser_n may_v have_v great_a sum_n in_o his_o chest_n or_o in_o his_o paper_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o use_n the_o poor_a woman_n leather_n purse_n by_o her_o side_n shall_v be_v ready_a be_v not_o dismay_v at_o thy_o shallow_a memory_n if_o thou_o can_v remember_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o thou_o in_o time_n of_o need_n doubt_n 2._o my_o misery_n say_v a_o poor_a soul_n be_v this_o that_o one_o thing_n put_v out_o another_o when_o i_o be_o secure_a of_o one_o notion_n and_o grasp_a for_o another_o i_o lose_v they_o both_o ans_fw-fr memory_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v present_a and_o actual_a or_o future_a and_o potential_a many_o thing_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o a_o present_a and_o actual_a memory_n that_o yet_o may_v stick_v in_o the_o memory_n potential_o like_o thing_n that_o be_v mislay_v but_o not_o lose_v in_o this_o case_n endeavour_n be_v construe_v by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n for_o attainment_n and_o all_o you_o grasp_v for_o be_v count_v by_o he_o your_o own_o as_o a_o covetous_a oppressor_n that_o will_v devour_v every_o fair_a house_n or_o estate_n he_o see_v be_v guilty_a though_o he_o obtain_v they_o not_o so_o every_o bless_a truth_n thou_o reach_v after_o shall_v be_v reckon_v thy_o own_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steal_v from_o thou_o but_o here_o the_o former_a direction_n have_v place_n namely_o to_o send_v up_o a_o holy_a ejaculation_n when_o you_o lock_v up_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v secure_v it_o and_o produce_v it_o in_o due_a time_n many_o thing_n poor_a christian_n have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v quite_o forget_v till_o the_o time_n of_o need_n come_v for_o example_n christ_n have_v say_v mat._n 17_o 22_o 23._o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v kill_v and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o understand_v not_o but_o in_o luk._n 24_o 8._o it_o be_v say_v then_o that_o they_o remember_v his_o word_n and_o so_o through_o god_n grace_v it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o object_n 3._o but_o say_v another_o my_o memory_n be_v quite_o go_v i_o can_v remember_v just_a nothing_o i_o will_v i_o fain_o will_v but_o i_o can_v ans_fw-fr perhaps_o thy_o natural_a family_n be_v decay_v for_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o sensitive_a it_o may_v decay_v even_o as_o your_o eyesight_n do_v for_o as_o the_o natural_a spirit_n abate_v so_o these_o decay_n and_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o your_o forget_v of_o other_o thing_n as_o you_o forget_v text_n so_o you_o forget_v face_n as_o you_o forget_v spiritual_a doctrine_n so_o you_o do_v temporal_a business_n yet_o you_o ought_v to_o grieve_v for_o this_o because_o this_o decay_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o of_o original_a but_o very_o likely_a of_o thy_o actual_a sin_n either_o of_o thy_o intemperance_n or_o violent_a passion_n or_o excessive_a care_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o mourn_v for_o it_o so_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o prop_v it_o up_o to_o succour_v it_o and_o to_o improve_v it_o as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v and_o especial_o to_o practice_v what_o you_o do_v remember_v for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o complain_v they_o can_v remember_v little_a while_o other_o complain_v that_o these_o very_a people_n practice_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o but_o for_o you_o that_o make_v this_o unfeigned_a complaint_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v quite_o discourage_v labour_v to_o remember_v at_o least_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o all_o and_o though_o much_o be_v lose_v yet_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o quite_o lose_v a_o sieve_n or_o riddle_n in_o a_o pond_n of_o water_n seem_v to_o be_v top_n full_a but_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o pond_n it_o be_v present_o empty_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v wash_v hereby_o even_o so_o a_o poor_a christian_a while_o he_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v feel_v himself_o full_a of_o heavenly_a notion_n but_o when_o he_o cease_v find_v his_o heart_n quite_o empty_a again_o o_o but_o the_o heart_n be_v wash_v for_o all_o that_o and_o make_v more_o holy_a it_o be_v say_v of_o one_o cassius_n severus_n that_o when_o the_o roman_a senate_n doom_v his_o book_n to_o be_v burn_v yes_o say_v he_o but_o you_o must_v next_o burn_v i_o too_o for_o i_o have_v they_o write_v in_o my_o mind_n oh_o if_o the_o book_n of_o our_o memory_n be_v much_o effaced_a yet_o if_o we_o can_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n god_n will_v accept_v the_o soundness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n though_o our_o memory_n be_v shatter_v viii_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o eight_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v some_o short_a application_n of_o all_o first_o magnify_v god_n for_o your_o memory_n especial_o you_o that_o have_v good_a memory_n be_v not_o proud_a of_o they_o but_o be_v very_o thankful_a i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v of_o simon_n tharvey_n a_o cornish-man_n that_o will_v so_o boast_v of_o his_o skill_n in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n that_o he_o can_v on_o the_o sudden_a answer_n any_o problem_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o historian_n say_v that_o his_o part_n and_o memory_n be_v so_o smite_v that_o he_o can_v not_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n nor_o remember_v his_o abc_n alas_o a_o little_a crack_n spoil_v they_o o_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o faculty_n and_o say_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o be_o i_o make_v and_o if_o your_o memory_n have_v some_o strength_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o they_o praise_v he_o the_o more_o for_o you_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n beyond_o other_o you_o have_v a_o treasure_n which_o other_o want_v many_o a_o poor_a christian_n will_v be_v content_a to_o forget_v all_o his_o earthly_a concern_v so_o that_o he_o can_v but_o remember_v the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v sure_a then_o that_o you_o be_v true_o thankful_a 2._o let_v all_o god_n minister_n that_o preach_v or_o that_o write_v labour_v to_o consult_v people_n memory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n observe_v some_o proper_a method_n in_o their_o book_n and_o sermon_n erasm_n adjuvatur_fw-la memoria_fw-la intellectu_fw-la ordine_fw-la curâ—_n erasm_n a_o confuse_a or_o cryptical_a method_n confound_v the_o memory_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o naked_a head_n overpresseth_a it_o but_o a_o clear_a connexion_n and_o a_o proper_a method_n great_o assist_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o have_v in_o several_a place_n particular_o stoop_v down_o to_o we_o herein_o in_o divers_a of_o the_o psalm_n in_o one_o chapter_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o lamentation_n he_o have_v proceed_v alphabetical_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o memory_n that_o matter_n manner_n and_o method_n sure_o shall_v be_v use_v by_o we_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o inform_v people_n understanding_n but_o to_o prevail_v with_o their_o will_n to_o awaken_v their_o conscience_n and_o also_o which_o may_v best_o stick_v with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v part_v from_o we_o for_o the_o work_n of_o conviction_n conversion_n and_o comfort_n be_v general_o perfect_v by_o after-thought_n and_o therefore_o see_v people_n memory_n be_v so_o weak_a let_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o 3._o labour_v to_o improve_v your_o memory_n to_o have_v they_o cure_v and_o strengthen_v content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o such_o treacherous_a memory_n satisfy_v not_o yourselves_o with_o fruitless_a complaint_n of_o they_o but_o proceed_v to_o a_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o consider_v 1._o this_o be_v possible_a and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o
the_o write_a law_n do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o by_o which_o law_n they_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o be_v judge_v but_o not_o by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o this_o law_n will_v find_v their_o conscience_n to_o excuse_v they_o as_o the_o transgressor_n thereof_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n rom._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o beside_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v against_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o know_v not_o god_n or_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o method_n of_o salvation_n but_o because_o when_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o moses_n nor_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o guide_n but_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o thing_n make_v for_o their_o help_n glorify_v not_o god_n as_o god_n but_o be_v unthankful_a and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o to_o these_o consideration_n if_o we_o add_v what_o peter_n in_o act_n 10.34_o 35._o have_v it_o seem_v as_o if_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v save_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o every_o one_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o this_o be_v mind_v without_o a_o fix_v our_o thought_n on_o other_o scriptural_a consideration_n the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v remove_v but_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o other_o text_n that_o assert_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o only_a door_n to_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o engage_v he_o to_o demand_v satisfaction_n and_o that_o unless_o his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v no_o salvation_n can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n and_o that_o all_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o his_o merit_n must_v submit_v unto_o he_o i_o say_v whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o forego_n passage_n with_o these_o will_v find_v himself_o still_o at_o a_o loss_n so_o that_o on_o the_o whole_a i_o be_o bring_v to_o this_o result_n that_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o very_a much_o insist_v on_o the_o largeness_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o unless_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o christ_n or_o unless_o a_o very_a implicit_a faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v the_o heathen_a unto_o any_o of_o those_o special_a blessing_n that_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o when_o we_o come_v so_o far_o if_o we_o do_v but_o intente_o mind_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o though_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcileable_a yet_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v above_o we_o they_o be_v too_o high_a we_o can_v attain_v unto_o the_o height_n thereof_o 2._o that_o such_o who_o lot_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o more_o pleasant_a place_n and_o who_o have_v have_v the_o advantageous_a help_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v yet_o be_v by_o providence_n plunge_v into_o many_o a_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n of_o difficulty_n be_v surprise_v concern_v the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v without_o surprise_v converse_n with_o the_o dispute_v there_o be_v among_o the_o learned_a about_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n we_o now_o have_v or_o the_o septuagint_n as_o whether_o the_o former_a or_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o authentic_a and_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v some_o momentous_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v the_o septuagint_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o its_o rise_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o greek_a be_v not_o that_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v with_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v but_o a_o translation_n but_o where_o be_v the_o original_a beside_o whatever_o be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a agreement_n of_o the_o 72_o israelite_n send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o ptolemy_n as_o translator_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o out_o of_o aristaeus_n of_o who_o the_o learned_a usher_n have_v write_v so_o much_o that_o they_o only_o translate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o no_o more_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o the_o lxx_o we_o now_o have_v be_v more_o novel_a than_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o the_o hebrew_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o canon_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n some_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o samaritan_n or_o the_o hebrew_n be_v most_o authentic_a but_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v still_o query_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o autograph_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o in_o a_o labyrinth_n not_o only_o about_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o keri_n and_o the_o chetir_n but_o about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o point_n whether_o they_o be_v coaeval_n with_o the_o letter_n or_o not_o the_o point_n be_v so_o necessary_a towards_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o true_a import_n of_o a_o hebrew_n word_n that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n the_o least_o alteration_n of_o a_o point_n make_v a_o unaccountable_a change_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n notwithstanding_o which_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n do_v now_o take_v with_o many_o whereby_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v a_o firm_a foundation_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n may_v lean_v for_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n so_o very_a much_o depend_v on_o these_o point_n if_o these_o point_n be_v of_o late_a and_o humane_a rise_n so_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v our_o faith_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o lean_v only_o on_o this_o humane_a invention_n be_v divine_a and_o unshaken_a but_o may_v these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v other_o which_o to_o they_o be_v as_o insuperable_a for_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o original_a and_o have_v for_o their_o guidance_n and_o conduct_v no_o other_o help_n but_o what_o either_o some_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a priest_n afford_v they_o such_o be_v the_o neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n to_o direct_v there_o be_v two_o who_o be_v either_o very_a ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a for_o which_o reason_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v under_o the_o minister_n conduct_v be_v either_o to_o receive_v help_n from_o the_o ignorant_a who_o can_v relieve_v they_o or_o from_o the_o scandalous_a who_o can_v be_v confide_v in_o how_o can_v the_o people_n put_v any_o trust_n in_o the_o honesty_n and_o truth_n of_o such_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o such_o virtue_n there_o be_v very_o much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o solve_v these_o phaenomena_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v have_v be_v insist_v on_o we_o shall_v find_v somewhat_o in_o the_o providence_n that_o do_v transcend_v our_o understanding_n 3._o i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o providence_n more_o that_o do_v great_o amuse_v and_o astonish_v many_o that_o do_v true_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v this_o viz._n although_o it_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n that_o to_o the_o godly_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o to_o come_v be_v give_v yet_o we_o find_v the_o godly_a to_o be_v without_o they_o even_o when_o the_o wicked_a who_o know_v not_o god_n do_v abound_v many_o be_v the_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n of_o the_o righteous_a job_n 21.7_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v hate_v reproach_v and_o count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n but_o the_o wicked_a they_o live_v become_v
drop_n of_o the_o storm_n a_o skirt_n of_o the_o shower_n of_o vengeance_n will_v light_v on_o a_o sort_n of_o second-rate_n sinner_n such_o as_o be_v clothe_v with_o strange_a apparel_n or_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v the_o same_o yet_o this_o sin_n will_v be_v accumulative_a and_o when_o the_o ephah_n be_v brimful_a one_o single_a drop_n more_o will_v make_v it_o run_v over_o in_o the_o word_n you_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o criminal_n 2._o the_o crime_n 3._o the_o punishment_n 1_o the_o criminal_n and_o they_o be_v either_o 1._o the_o principal_n the_o prince_n and_o the_o king_n child_n or_o as_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o king_n household_n i._n e._n the_o magistrate_n noble_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o land_n who_o as_o they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o the_o level_n of_o the_o commonalty_n aught_o to_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o all_o example_n of_o sobriety_n and_o gravity_n whereas_o now_o their_o levity_n in_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o grave_a and_o their_o affection_n of_o what_o be_v novel_a and_o vain_a have_v draw_v the_o people_n into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o the_o same_o punishment_n with_o themselves_o 2._o the_o accessary_n be_v all_o such_o of_o what_o order_n rank_n degree_n soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v clothe_v with_o strange_a apparel_n who_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a and_o who_o punishment_n shall_v be_v the_o heavy_a be_v of_o more_o difficult_a determination_n for_o the_o grandee_n will_v plead_v that_o some_o latitude_n be_v to_o be_v indulge_v there_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o quality_n and_o character_n and_o the_o inferior_a sort_n will_v argue_v that_o they_o do_v but_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n set_v they_o by_o their_o better_n but_o leave_v we_o they_o to_o quarrel_n and_o debate_v the_o point_n among_o themselves_o both_o be_v include_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o admeasure_n out_o vengeance_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o respective_a aggravation_n 2_o the_o crime_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o strange_a apparel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v denote_v either_o 1._o exotic_a and_o foreign_a apparel_n such_o as_o they_o fetch_v far_o and_o buy_v dear_a in_o the_o price_n and_o must_v pay_v much_o dear_a for_o in_o the_o punishment_n when_o justice_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o a_o reckon_n the_o jew_n be_v note_v for_o a_o people_n exceed_v fond_a even_o to_o dotage_n of_o foreign_a vanity_n foreign_a wife_n foreign_a worship_n and_o foreign_a god_n too_o we_o read_v that_o ahaz_n chance_v 16.10_o 2_o king_n 16.10_o to_o spy_v a_o altar_n at_o damascus_n that_o huge_o please_v his_o humour_n god_n altar_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o plain_a piece_n but_o this_o a_o rare_a specimen_fw-la of_o curious_a art_n and_o he_o send_v to_o urijah_n the_o priest_n the_o fashion_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o pattern_n thereof_o according_a to_o all_o its_o workmanship_n for_o if_o a_o prince_n have_v a_o itch_n to_o innovate_v in_o or_o make_v a_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n a_o priest_n will_v easy_o be_v find_v that_o shall_v justify_v it_o that_o the_o pattern_n of_o damascus_n be_v far_o beyond_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o that_o a_o model_n secundum_fw-la usum_fw-la syriae_n be_v more_o decent_a and_o august_a than_o one_o secundum_fw-la usum_fw-la salem_n or_o 2._o it_o may_v denote_v such_o as_o they_o have_v new_o invent_v among_o themselves_o for_o they_o have_v fruitful_a invent_v head_n though_o barren_a heart_n which_o can_v conceive_v a_o vanity_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o sickly_a soul_n can_v long_o for_o it_o this_o strange_a apparel_n whether_o native_a or_o foreign_a may_v be_v so_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o for_o the_o form_n lightmind_n constant_a in_o nothing_o but_o inconstancy_n will_v always_o be_v vary_v either_o the_o stuff_n or_o the_o shape_n the_o ground_n or_o the_o trim_n and_o it_o have_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o make_v a_o coat_n for_o the_o moon_n as_o to_o have_v fit_v the_o fickle_a humour_n of_o that_o unstable_a generation_n and_o indeed_o at_o last_o they_o have_v get_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d round_a tire_n like_o the_o moon_n 3.16_o isa_n 3.16_o the_o lively_a emblem_n of_o uncertain_a desultory_n fancy_n that_o can_v have_v be_v invent_v 3_o the_o punishment_n which_o be_v indefinite_o express_v i_o will_v punish_v but_o how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n degree_n or_o measure_v he_o will_v punish_v he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o as_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a threaten_n than_o for_o god_n to_o promise_v a_o impenitent_a people_n that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o so_o it_o look_v very_o angry_o when_o god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v but_o conceal_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n as_o if_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o strange_a punishment_n that_o god_n will_v invent_v on_o purpose_n for_o strange_a apparel_n or_o some_o curse_v not_o write_v in_o god_n book_n that_o must_v fall_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o vertiguous_a and_o giddy_a people_n the_o crime_n than_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o criminal_n you_o have_v see_v the_o punishment_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o this_o text_n a_o fair_a occasion_n be_v offer_v to_o propose_v and_o answer_v this_o question_n what_o distance_n ought_v we_o to_o keep_v in_o follow_v the_o strange_a fashion_n of_o apparel_n which_o come_v up_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v that_o the_o present_a generation_n be_v lamentable_o intoxicate_v with_o novelty_n and_o as_o sad_o degenerate_v from_o the_o gravity_n of_o some_o former_a age_n can_v neither_o be_v deny_v nor_o conceal_v nor_o defend_v nor_o i_o fear_v reform_v and_o what_o be_v more_o deplorable_a some_o that_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o vanity_n 3.16_o isa_n 3.16_o and_o even_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n have_v catch_v the_o epidemical_a infection_n and_o this_o have_v make_v this_o question_n though_o in_o retentis_fw-la to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o which_o yet_o before_o i_o can_v give_v a_o direct_a and_o distinct_a answer_n i_o must_v crave_v your_o patience_n that_o i_o may_v lay_v down_o these_o preliminary_n §_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a to_o fix_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la the_o low_a degree_n of_o conformity_n to_o these_o new_a fashion_n which_o be_v sinful_a and_o the_o maximum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la the_o high_a degree_n of_o conformity_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o that_o because_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o point_n depend_v on_o many_o nice_a circumstance_n which_o must_v all_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o if_o the_o scale_n be_v not_o exact_a and_o true_a the_o hand_n that_o hold_v they_o steady_a the_o eye_n that_o judge_n clear_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n §_o 2._o that_o therefore_o satan_n have_v herein_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o overreach_v we_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o betray_v and_o deceive_v we_o because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o slide_v insensible_o from_o the_o lawful_a to_o the_o unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o discern_v to_o a_o hairs-breadth_n where_o the_o one_o end_n and_o the_o other_o begin_v §_o 3._o that_o pride_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v the_o controversy_n for_o see_v a_o haughty_a heart_n will_v never_o confine_v its_o licentiousness_n to_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o god_n it_o must_v widen_v the_o rule_n and_o stretch_v it_o to_o its_o own_o extravagancy_n that_o lust_n which_o scorn_v to_o bow_v its_o crooked_a practice_n to_o the_o straight_a rule_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o bend_v the_o rule_n if_o possible_a to_o its_o own_o crooked_a practice_n for_o it_o be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o stooks_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n §_o 4._o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n as_o well_o as_o much_o difficulty_n in_o the_o determination_n since_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o corruption_n like_o a_o deluge_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o interest_n be_v take_v into_o the_o confederacy_n with_o who_o to_o combat_v be_v a_o unequal_a contention_n pride_n and_o profit_n glory_n and_o gain_v have_v their_o distinct_a concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o decry_v the_o silver_n shrine_v of_o diana_n by_o which_o so_o many_o craftsman_n get_v their_o live_n must_v raise_v a_o heavy_a outcry_n against_o the_o opponent_n and_o when_o obtain_v custom_n shall_v second_v and_o back_o these_o corruption_n he_o must_v have_v robur_n &_o aes_fw-la triplex_fw-la
will_v you_o then_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n you_o must_v not_o abide_v in_o ignorance_n but_o read_v the_o scripture_n inquire_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o know_v the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o a_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o three_o truth_n be_v light_a and_o error_n be_v darkness_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o false_a doctrine_n especial_o such_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o obstruct_v this_o communion_n with_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o socinian_n doctrine_n in_o deny_v christ_n satisfaction_n the_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n take_v heed_n of_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o tell_v you_o of_o other_o merit_n beside_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n other_o satisfaction_n other_o mediation_n and_o other_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n take_v heed_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o quakerism_n which_o set_v up_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o christ_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o old_a pelagian_a doctrine_n that_o set_v up_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v since_o revive_v under_o other_o name_n to_o the_o denial_n or_o neglect_n of_o that_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o last_o i_o say_v holiness_n be_v light_a and_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v darkness_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n must_v break_v off_o from_o his_o sin_n betake_v himself_o to_o a_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o holy_a walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n rise_v up_o a_o sect_n of_o carnal_a professor_n who_o will_v talk_v high_a of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n who_o he_o be_v think_v especial_o to_o refer_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o they_o thus_o walk_v in_o darkness_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o that_o god_n who_o be_v light_n the_o next_o branch_n of_o the_o exhortation_n i_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n first_o maintain_v it_o in_o what_o constancy_n you_o can_v the_o few_o interruption_n be_v admit_v therein_o so_o much_o the_o better_o take_v heed_n of_o violent_a passion_n take_v heed_n of_o distract_n care_n take_v heed_n of_o diversion_n from_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n you_o ought_v to_o attend_v unto_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o snare_n of_o bad_a company_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o carnal_a counsel_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n of_o any_o compliance_n against_o your_o conscience_n of_o any_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v in_o your_o mind_n about_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n especial_o that_o christian_a religion_n that_o you_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o watch_v over_o the_o levity_n and_o instability_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n which_o of_o itself_o alone_o may_v hinder_v our_o constancy_n in_o this_o duty_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a lawful_a affair_n of_o our_o call_n especial_o if_o much_o encumber_v may_v interrupt_v we_o herein_o second_o advance_v it_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n that_o your_o communion_n with_o god_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o a_o great_a intimacy_n such_o as_o the_o church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v to_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n he_o that_o can_v attain_v it_o let_v he_o attain_v it_o in_o jacob_n ladder_n which_o stand_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o be_v many_o round_n in_o a_o high_a mountain_n there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o ascent_n at_o mount_n sinai_n the_o people_n stand_v at_o the_o bottom_n some_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n of_o israel_n go_v up_o a_o little_a way_n but_o moses_n be_v at_o the_o top_n let_v we_o ascend_v this_o mount_n as_o high_a as_o we_o can_v only_o know_v it_o be_v not_o mount_n sinai_n but_o mount_n zion_n we_o must_v ascend_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o be_v not_o discourage_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o some_o difficulty_n in_o your_o ascent_n through_o the_o natural_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n towards_o thing_n below_o the_o sweetness_n and_o advantage_n you_o will_v reap_v herein_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o and_o may_v not_o some_o eminent_a degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v expect_v of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o have_v have_v a_o long_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o your_o growth_n herein_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v proportion_v to_o your_o time_n and_o advantage_n for_o it_o and_o that_o which_o shall_v quicken_v you_o the_o more_o be_v the_o present_a complexion_n of_o the_o time_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o we_o know_v not_o what_o day_n be_v come_v man_n heart_n be_v fail_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o what_o evil_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v matth._n 24._o now_o nothing_o will_v so_o fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n as_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n this_o will_v sweeten_v a_o prison_n sweeten_v poverty_n sweeten_v banishment_n sweeten_v the_o very_a sorrow_n of_o death_n this_o sweeten_v the_o martyr_n suffering_n of_o old_a that_o fellowship_n they_o have_v with_o god_n in_o those_o suffering_n wherein_o they_o have_v fellowship_n also_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n now_o let_v these_o thing_n put_v you_o on_o to_o this_o great_a work_n and_o be_v not_o discourage_v because_o of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o he_o be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v have_v access_n to_o he_o and_o his_o terror_n not_o make_v we_o afraid_a and_o hear_v what_o he_o speak_v himself_o to_o our_o encouragement_n isa_n 57_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o most_o high_a god_n thus_o humble_v himself_o to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v invisible_a object_n and_o how_o can_v i_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o who_o i_o see_v not_o it_o be_v true_a we_o can_v have_v a_o sensible_a communion_n with_o he_o answ_n as_o man_n have_v with_o one_o another_o but_o spirit_n that_o be_v invisible_a have_v converse_v together_o as_o well_o as_o sensible_a creature_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o so_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o communion_n with_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n have_v not_o the_o apostle_n communion_n with_o invisible_a thing_n when_o he_o say_v we_o look_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v 1_o pet._n 1.8_o and_o be_v not_o faith_n the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o and_o though_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v invisible_a yet_o he_o make_v himself_o visible_a in_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n col._n 1.15_o use_v v_o v._o have_v speak_v of_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o use_v about_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n we_o know_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n exhort_v to_o these_o thing_n have_v we_o write_v to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o with_o we_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o we_o as_o believer_n so_o that_o the_o fellowship_n of_o saint_n comprehend_v their_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o their_o fellowship_n with_o the_o son_n and_o their_o fellowship_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o thence_o fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o all_o saint_n and_o church_n that_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o these_o three_o aught_o to_o have_v fellowship_n among_o themselves_o to_o bring_v in_o new_a doctrine_n or_o new_a rule_n of_o worship_n not_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o forsake_v communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n the_o term_n of_o communion_n lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v inviolable_a in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n where_o these_o be_v maintain_v though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstantial_a difference_n either_o in_o